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Boston Celtics lose Marcus Smart to start playoffs: 3 players who must step up

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 02: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden on January 02, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 02: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden on January 02, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

It’s all about Hayward

Gordon Hayward was already an X-factor going into the playoffs.  Without Marcus Smart, he is even more of an X-factor.

Finally getting back close to the All-Star version of himself, Hayward won’t give the Boston Celtics what Smart did defensively, but as a facilitator who can handle the ball, his role becomes more vital.

Not only does he have the ability to become a secondary scorer for the Celtics in the playoffs, the aggressiveness he has shown taking the ball to the basket opens things up for both Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum when the three are on the court together.

Again, while not as intense as Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward will still give something on the defensive end.  Whether it is collecting rebounds or stepping into the line for steals, his size and length can also be a factor defensively.

In all, one of the questions going into the playoffs will be what Brad Stevens does to make up for the loss of Smart.  The answer will more than likely be a combination of Terry Rozier, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward.  In ways, each player makes them better on the court with what they can do, especially offensively.

Next. Boston Celtics: What to expect as the NBA playoffs roll around. dark

Collectively, they have to try to make up for what Marcus Smart gives the Boston Celtics on the defensive end.  They won’t have their Bulldog, but they still have a Pitbull in Rozier, a Doberman Pinscher in Brown and a Golden Retriever in Hayward.

Ironically, each of those players have taken their turn in the doghouse through the regular season.  Now they have an opportunity to bark loud in the 2018-19 NBA Playoffs.

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